​Themixer.org

​Making Portland Home

​An Evening of Connection, Storytelling, and Community

​On Friday, December 27, The Mixer invites you to an intimate in-person gathering titled Making Portland Home.

​This annual community experience brings people together to share real stories, lived experiences, and meaningful conversation about what it means to build a life, career, and sense of belonging in Portland. Whether you’re navigating work, wellness, creativity, or community, this evening is designed to help you connect more deeply—with others and with the place you now call home.

​Come as you are. Leave more connected.

​What to Expect

​CONNECT
A welcoming social hour with intentional networking, a red-carpet moment, photography, and curated food and beverages.

​LEARN
Co-knowledge creation through storytelling and dialogue across wellness, entrepreneurship, marketing, technology, creativity, and community building.

​THRIVE
Build authentic relationships, access resources, and grow within a safe, joyful, and community-centered space.

​Emcees

​Leon Anderson

​Leon Anderson is a staunch promoter of people and an advocate for human greatness. A first-generation Black American and proud Jamaican, Leon moves fluidly across cultures, industries, and creative disciplines. His career spans aerospace, biomedical innovation, electric vehicle design, and creative services.

​As a co-founder of the Stumptown Improv Festival, Leon is an improviser, storyteller, and producer who has curated unforgettable experiences locally and globally. His work centers curiosity, connection, and the power of shared story.

​Chris Williams

​Chris Williams is a storyteller, educator, and community builder based in Portland. He currently manages student voice and leadership initiatives for Portland Public Schools and is the founder of Front Porch Sessions, a storytelling series celebrating connection and belonging through true stories.

​Chris’s work focuses on facilitation, storytelling, and improv as tools for strengthening relationships, trust, and positive group dynamics.

​Speakers + Storytellers

​Aaron Robinson

​Founder of Opening Presence, Aaron Robinson is a Soma+IQ™ Breathwork Practitioner, meditation guide, and podcast host. His work centers healing, embodiment, and personal growth, creating transformative wellness spaces for corporations, nonprofits, schools, and communities.

​Christopher Lambert

​Christopher Lambert is a Portland leader whose life reflects transformation, purpose, and community power. After turning a 20-year prison sentence into fuel for service, he has become a visionary mentor and connector within Portland’s Black community.

​As a leader within Rose City J.A.M. and the Oregon Justice Network, Christopher helps create youth-centered, hope-driven spaces through initiatives like Night Sports, keeping young people supported and connected to opportunity.

​Abibat Durosimi

​Abibat Durosimi is a first-generation Nigerian creative director, producer, and founder of Bloom Agency—a multidisciplinary creative platform rooted in storytelling, beauty, and cultural impact. Her work creates space for creativity and community to be seen, supported, and allowed to bloom.

​Tiquette Bramlett

​Tiquette Bramlett, Founder of Henderson Ave and Founder/CEO Our Legacy Harvested, @TiquetteBramlett @OurLegacyHarvested

​Tiquette Bramlett is the Founder of Henderson Ave, a canned wine brand inspired by the street that raised her in the Bay Area — a place of open doors, shared stories, and community connection. Henderson Ave is dedicated to making wine approachable, inclusive, and inviting for all.

​Bramlett has been a member of the Willamette Valley wine community since 2015 and fell in love with the region’s wines while studying to become a sommelier. In May 2021, she became the first Black woman hired to lead a winery both in Oregon and the Country at Compris Vineyard (formerly known as Vidon Vineyard), and in May 2023, she was named Vice President of Chosen Family Wines, founded by NBA Champion Channing Frye.

​Through Our Legacy Harvested, the nonprofit she founded in 2020, Bramlett advances diversity and inclusion across Oregon’s wine industry with educational programs and a first-of-its-kind internship. Currently, she serves on the Executive Leadership Board of the University of California, Davis School of Viticulture and Enology, as well as the boards of Travel Portland and the Oregon Wine Board. Past board service includes the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) and the Assemblage Symposium.

​Her leadership has earned national recognition, including Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 Tastemakers 2021, named one of Portland Business Journal’s Class of 2022 40 Under 40, nominated for a Wine Enthusiast 2022 Wine Star Award for Social Visionary of the Year, named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year in 2023, named one of Portland Business Journals 2023 Women of Influence, and being presented with the Oregon Tourism Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Award at the 2023 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

​Closing Session

​Facilitated by Anna Branche

​Sports Marketing professional at Klutch Sports Group, guiding a reflective and forward-looking closing conversation.

​Featuring Amir Armstrong

​Lifestyle Marketing Manager at HOKA
(Bio forthcoming)

​Featuring Rikki (IHRIE)

​Rikki is a fashion designer and founder of IHRIE, a luxury apparel brand honoring Black women and their role in shaping one another across generations. A graduate of SCAD, her career includes roles at DKNY, Rick Owens, Men’s Wearhouse, and Nike, where she designed across Women’s, Kids, and Special Collaborations for Nike and Jordan.

​Why Attend

• ​Build meaningful personal and professional connections

• ​Hear real stories from leaders, creatives, and community builders

• ​Experience an intentional space rooted in belonging and growth

• ​Leave inspired, resourced, and more connected to Portland